NASCAR bills itself as "America's
Sport." I am not sure I like that. I don't think it is good for
our image in a global society. After all, is it not a huge
contradiction of our own ideals?
Let's forget for a moment that the rest of the world thinks
NASCAR is a joke and calls it "taxicab racing." Let's look at
what NASCAR really is and compare the ideals and values that are
considered to be most American, and ask ourselves why it is
"America's Sport."
Freedom of Speech: When was the last time a NASCAR driver was
allowed to say anything resembling his real thoughts about a
NASCAR penalty or decision without fear of reprisal? I wonder
how the American people would react if Jay Leno were fined for
every joke he told about President Bush.
Freedom of religion: How many Jews or Muslims do you see at
NASCAR races?
Equal rights: Women are valued in NASCAR of course. Even Richard
Petty said that they have their place, even if he does think it's
in the kitchen, and not in victory lane. I would be interested
to hear what his thoughts are on Puerto Ricans, Blacks and
Asians.
There seems to be some very token and half-hearted efforts to
promote diversity in the sport. My opinion is that they are
doing it simply so they can say they are doing it. Just ask Bill
Lester. Of course, he wouldn't say anything for fear of being
fined or blacklisted (no pun intended). The Japanese are coming.
I will be very interested to see how they are truly received.
Let's talk about equal rights and due process when it comes to
enforcement of their rules. Can you imagine if our government
had a law entitled "Acts Detrimental to Democracy?" What does
that mean exactly? Would the entire Social Security
Administration be in violation? How about Medicare and Welfare?
Of course this is ridiculous. That entry in NASCAR's rulebook
simply provides a loophole for corruption. How may people do not
know about "the call"? It's the sport's worst kept secret.
Separation of Church and State: You don't have to look far to
see the obvious Southern Baptist influence in the sport. I am
surprised they don't have their own car. Certain "values" have
always been part of the influence of the upper office of NASCAR
as well. Only recently did they allow liquor into the sport.
They would not allow Playboy or Maxim at the track. They did
however allow them into Grand-Am, which is especially
interesting. It is interesting as well, that they have never had
an issue with tobacco until federal regulations made that a
tough deal to keep. I find it intriguing as well, that NASCAR's
connection with religion in general is also much like that of
the Mafia. Organized crime has always kept the church around in
their culture. I have heard many stories about hitmen actually
going to confession after "whacking" a guy. It certainly is an
interesting relationship and parallel.
Finally, we have to talk about NASCAR's very clear monopolistic
business practices. We should be honest with ourselves and
realize that America was really built on monopolies. Eventually
they get broken up, but their development and presence
represents an area of strength for any economy. They build up an
industry to a strong enough point where it can be divided up and
remain strong. All kinds of industries have had huge monopolies
that have had a tremendous impact on our lives. Steel, power,
and telecommunications are just a few examples. These industries
may never have flourished if the initial monopoly was not
allowed to develop.
Nonetheless, the American people hold tightly to their ideals
and what makes us American. It seems however, that NASCAR
represents everything that is the opposite. It is clearly a
dictatorship bent on domination and control. They are very good
at producing propaganda to give them the image of promoting
equality (common templates...etc.) and other American ideals. But
when you really take a look at them, they represent many things
that are decidedly and clearly un-American.
So let's ask ourselves again how and why NASCAR is "America's
Sport?"
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